JUST IN: England and Sunderland Footballer Adam Johnson Arrested On Suspicion Of Having Sex With 15-Year-Old Girl

Adam Johnson was arrested today on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl

England footballer Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl, it was reported today. The Sunderland winger, 27, was arrested at his mansion home this morning [Mar. 2], where police are said to have found a legally-owned loaded gun during their search of the property.

Neighbours said they assumed the £1.8million property had been burgled when they saw activity outside the sprawling mansion. The Sun quoted neighbours who said that scenes of crime officers searched a triple garage in the two-acre grounds of the property after arriving shortly after 9am.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: 'A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16. 'He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.'

Johnson was born in Sunderland and brought up in Easington, County Durham. He began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland, where he is now playing his third season.

He played for England's under-19s team and the under-21s before being called up to senior squad under manager Fabio Capello.

Johnson, 27, is currently playing for Sunderland and has made 12 appearances for the England team

He made his England debut in May 2010 and has since played 12 games for his country, scoring two goals. It is believed he lives at the property, which was search today, with his long-term girlfriend. The arrest comes ahead of England's planned European Championship qualifiers against Lithuania and Italy later this month.